<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1JzRPF_0uwcVjgz00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1JzRPF_0uwcVjgz00" width="650" height="433" ><figcaption>The Frankfort volleyball team celebrates after scoring a point against Mason County Central on Aug. 28, 2023.&nbsp; (McLain Moberg/Record Patriot) </figcaption></figure> The Frankfort Panthers enter the 2024 volleyball with the the goal of&nbsp;improving upon their&nbsp;second place finish in the Northwest Conference. The narrow district championship game loss to Onekama last season, along with key returning players, gives the Panthers a fighting chance to come out on top. <h2 class="cci_subhead" title="CCI Subhead"> What you need to know </h2> The Panthers will enter this season&nbsp;without Michigan High School Athletic Association Region 4 all-regional player Payton Miller. The loss leaves the team with an area of need at the outside and right side hitter positions. Miller’s Frankfort High School record of 821 career kills will be missed, however, the Panthers have two potential replacements in Gwyneth Dunaway and Paige Willman. The duo will split time at the outside hitter position potentially remedying the loss of Miller. Eliza Frary will also be missed by Frankfort; the former Panther recorded games in which her statistics looked very similar to Miller’s. On Oct. 17 against Buckley, Frary recorded a stat line of two kills, five aces, nine digs and 13 assists while Miller contributed seven kills, two aces, 12 digs and three assists. Evelyn&nbsp;VanTol has also moved on, leaving other pivotal shoes to fill for the Panthers. Frankfort has the athletic talent to continue to make a push to the district championship with multi-sport athlete Alice Luther entering the fold. More Information 7 p.m. Aug. 27 vs Mason County Central 7 p.m. Sept. 4 vs Bear Lake 7 p.m. Sept 10 at Mesick 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at Suttons Bay 7 p.m. Sept. 17 vs Onekama 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Brethren 7 p.m. Sept. 26 vs Leland 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at Benzie Central 7 p.m. Oct. 3 vs Buckley 7 p.m. Oct. 10 vs Glen Lake 7 p.m. Oct. 17 vs Ellsworth 9 a.m. Oct. 19 vs Fife Lake Forest Area 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Elk Rapids 7 p.m. Oct. 29 at Manistee “This year we will have to focus on teamwork and mindset, since we lost three key players from last year’s team,” said Frankfort head volleyball coach Becky Miller. The narrow loss in the district championship game may have given the return players the confidence that they need to make another push to capture the district crown. <h2 class="cci_subhead" title="CCI Subhead"> Key returners </h2> Gwyneth Dunaway — outside hitter/right-side hitter (senior) Paige Willman — outside hitter (senior) Lily Wolfe — middle hitter (sophomore) Ella Newbold — right-side/defensive specialist (junior) <h2 class="cci_subhead" title="CCI Subhead"> Key losses </h2> Payton Miller Eliza Frary Eveyln VanTol <h2 class="cci_subhead" title="CCI Subhead"> Potential impact newcomers </h2> Alice Luther — setter (sophomore) Jaidyn Joslin — libero/defensive specialist (junior) <h2 class="cci_subhead" title="CCI Subhead"> Prediction </h2> As the Panthers enter the season, coach Miller has her mind set on an area of improvement that will help her team through the upcoming learning curve. “We need to improve on our grit and rebounding from mistakes,” said Miller. With the loss of multiple high-level contributors, the Panthers may experience an adjustment period and experience an early rough patch. However, after last season’s run to the district championship game, Frankfort has talented young players who have experienced success. Returning players have now experienced the playoff atmosphere and have a strong chance to succeed this season. <h2 class="cci_subhead" title="CCI Subhead"> Coach’s corner </h2> "I believe we will be very competitive in our conference and that long awaited district championship will be on our minds all year long." <h2 class="cci_subhead" title="CCI Subhead"> The numbers: </h2> 2023 record: 15-25 (3-4 NWC) 2023 playoffs: District championship loss vs Onekama, 3-1 Best win: vs Buckley, 3-0 Worst loss: vs White Cloud 2-0 </div></body>

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Season preview: Panthers volleyball looking for net gains in 2024

The Panthers will enter the 2024 volleyball season with big shoes to fill, but Frankfort still has the talent to succeed.